By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead
These days, it can feel like the world wants us all to pick a side. But let’s face it—that hurts Scottsdale and our nation. Debating issues is as American as apple pie, and speaking freely is our fundamental right. We can’t back down during these scary times. Instead, we must continue to befriend and care about those with differing views.
As President Abraham Lincoln reminded us, “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies.”
That sentiment belongs in City Hall, too. Seven of us sit on the dais—not because we chose each other, but because the voters did. No matter who is elected, our job is to serve the residents. While this year has had its controversies, the City Council is getting important things done.
Beginning this year, meetings start with an invocation meant to guide the Council’s work. We take turns selecting the message. For this 249th year of our nation’s founding, I’d like to share my recent message to Council:
“For my moment of silence, I want to share something I heard on the radio from an NIH scientist: ‘You can’t be brave if you’re not scared.’ I want to pray for bravery for all of us. To invoke what President Lincoln called the ‘better angels of our nature’ and choose to be united when there are those trying to divide us. Let’s use our differences to find the best path forward for our residents and I want to share my appreciation for all my Council colleagues.”
This July 4th, let’s celebrate by living the values that built America.
Solange Whitehead, City of Scottsdale Councilwoman